UPSC apsirants really need to study

Do UPSC apsirants really need to study 18-19 hours? Do they really have to be harsh on themselves. What 

. I make people write mails to me. I don't switch it on even on birthday!

You may call it harsh. But it's not.

Because I have all the time to myself after I am done with daily tasks. It may range from 6- 14 hours, nothing hard and fast depending on workload or holiday. I watch movies, anything random on youtube, talk to people I like and all.

I deliberately avoid people who are living a different life than me. For example, I am ‘trying’ studying 24*7 and my friend is planning a Europe trip. Sorry, we are currently not on same page. When I will talk to you, I will be transported to your world which will take energy to bring myself back to my beautiful chair and table full of books. It doesn't mean I don't have time. It simply means that I don't have time for this 'mind transportation'. It drains me emotionally most of the times.

And this is my time to prepare for UPSC CSE and not 'how to train myself to not get affected by people around”.

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18–19 hours? Possible but Unsustainable.

Need? No. Few selected books, newspapers and a knack of connecting dots - quantify your need.

Harsh? Please don't be. Listen to your heart. Train your mind.

Advice? A happy preparation is the best preparation.

I love getting ready and I have put on my favorite clothes, earrings and lipstick a lot of times before going to my study table.